Disney Delivers Halloween Joy to Children’s Hospitals

Children in the hospital can often miss out on seasonal festivities, including Halloween events and traditions. For young patients who were unable to trick-or-treat this year, The Walt Disney Company and Starlight Children’s Foundation hosted not-so-scary events and delivered thousands of frightfully fun costumes, books, and toys to 450 children’s hospitals and pediatric places of care. 

Disney Fans Help Bring Halloween Costumes Nationwide 

Thousands of costumes, books, and toys were delivered to children’s hospitals, thanks in part to Disney fans across the country. Earlier this year, Disney kicked off an initiative to donate a Halloween costume to Starlight Children’s Foundation for each one purchased on DisneyStore.com. These purchases resulted in the maximum donation from Disney of 20,000 Halloween costumes to Starlight, which were then distributed to hospitals nationwide. 

“No one does Halloween like Disney, and what better way to celebrate the season than by giving back to help children,” Patrick Sager, VP, Retail Marketing for Disney Consumer Products, said. “We’re excited to bring our Disney Store costumes and our beloved characters to support Starlight Children’s Foundation and their important mission this Halloween.”

Auli‘i Cravalho delivers Halloween Joy to Cohen Children’s 

Patients, families, and staff came together for a Disney and Starlight Halloween celebration at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New York. The event included a special visit from Auli‘i Cravalho, voice of Moana in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana and Moana 2, and a delivery of Halloween costumes, toys, and books. 

“We’re big fans. Teagan is actually turning eight in a few weeks and we’re having a Moana 2 birthday party” said Melissa, mother of 7-year-old Teagan. 

Cravalho spent time speaking and coloring with children in the hospital’s atrium before heading upstairs to meet with patients in their rooms. 

“It means everything to be bringing some holiday spirit here. These kids are so much fun. They’re so brave and strong,” said Cravalho. “I’m so grateful for Starlight and for the incredible community Cohen Children’s Medical Center has brought for these children, and I’m grateful to have joined that community – even just for a day.” 

Delivering Halloween Joy with Disney Parks 

Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort host seasonal celebrations for guests in the parks, but they also bring Halloween joy to their local communities.  

Walt Disney World surprised patients at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Tampa with not-so-scary Halloween events featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their festive costumes. The Walt Disney World Ambassadors joined in the celebrations to trick-or-treat, play games and have fun with young patients and their families.  

“I never would have thought my kid would have to go through treatment like I did,” said Josh Hendryx, a patient’s father at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Tampa. “It’s surreal seeing him react to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. I’m happy seeing him happy and getting to do things that normally he can’t do.”  

In California, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse also visited patients for an event at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Patients met the iconic characters and picked out Halloween costumes, toys, and books. The Halloween joy even extended to patient rooms, where Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse visited children who weren’t able to attend the festivities.  

Disneyland’s support of CHOC dates back to the 1960’s, when Walt Disney served on the hospital’s founding board. The more than 60-year relationship continues today with hospital visits and events like the one this Halloween season. 

Disney Jr. Celebrates Halloween at Boston Children’s Hospital 

Disney Jr. brought Halloween joy to patients at Boston Children’s Hospital with a Disney Jr. Let’s Play Halloween party, which included screenings of new Halloween-themed episodes of the hit series Disney Jr.’s Ariel, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends and SuperKitties. 

The Disney Jr. celebration also featured a special appearance by Mickey Mouse and Ariel from the television series. Patients were also treated to Disney Jr. Toys, costumes, and fun activities themed to Disney Jr. Let’s Play Halloween. 

Disney VoluntEARS Bring Halloween Joy Around the Globe 

Disney VoluntEARS worked with Starlight Canada and Starlight Australia to deliver Halloween goodies and spend time with patients in Canada and Australia. In Vancouver, Disney VoluntEARS visited Canuck Place Children’s Hospice for a morning of unboxing Halloween goodies, getting to know each other, and playing games. 

“With a little Disney magic, we hope to deliver moments of happiness and joy to children across the country who may not be able to trick-or-treat this year,” said Lisa Haines, SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility at Disney. “We’re delighted to work with Starlight Children’s Foundation to bring Halloween joy to kids and families who need it most.” 

“We are so grateful to collaborate with Disney to help hospitalized kids and their families celebrate the Halloween season,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation. “Our collaboration allows us to transform the hospital experience for kids across the country through play-centered programs that provide entertainment and positive distraction, bringing smiles to kids when they need it most.” 

These Halloween events and deliveries are part of Disney’s global commitment to help reimagine the patient experience in children’s hospitals. Disney has worked with Starlight Children’s Foundation for over 20 years to bring happiness to hospitals throughout the United States, as well as deliveries of themed hospital wear, care packages, and more. To learn more, please visit Joy.Disney.com